What is a ‘Shipping API’?
Shipping APIs (application programming interface) is a collection of standards and protocols for integrating various software platforms. A shipping API enables you to integrate your e-commerce platform, warehouse management system, or other software with a carrier’s systems to manage shipments, and send and receive data relating to them.
Customers can now adjust delivery information via a smartphone app, track order execution and delivery in real-time, and much more. All of this is made possible by the integration of the retail and shipping platform and the courier’s services using a shipping API.
Here at Blue Whale Apps, we offer comprehensive shipping API integration services to help your business take advantage of the enormous benefits that can be gained by using API integration for eCommerce shipping.
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What services are included with a shipping API?
A shipping API can automate your order shipping, package tracking, and return management processes. Other services that can be included in the API are:
- Obtain shipping costs from several carriers
- Publish shipping labels
- Track shipments instantly
- Produce and control returns
- Create shipment report templates
- Create and control personalized shipping options
You may improve productivity and streamline your shipping operation by using a shipping API.
Additionally, it can lower the chance of errors and increase the accuracy of your shipping process by automating operations like creating shipping labels.
How to select which API to use
Most of the major carriers as well as some shipping software companies that can interact with various carriers offer a shipping API. You may find that the decision is made for you by the retail platform and shipping company that you already use.
However, before selecting a shipping API for your company, it is crucial to keep in mind that not all shipping APIs are created equal. You should analyze the features and capabilities of various shipping APIs, or commission a shipping API integration services provider to do this research for you and then develop the API integration for you.
API Integration For eCommerce Shipping
eCommerce businesses are increasingly using shipping API integration services.
Businesses can use these services to simplify their shipping procedures and give clients more delivery options.
A shipping API in the context of eCommerce enables a connection between an online store and the system of a shipping carrier.
This gives the store access to real-time shipping costs, lets them track their goods, lets them make mailing labels, and much more.
We will cover the top 7 best shipping APIs, the most recent statistics on shipping API usage, what to look for in a shipping API, how to integrate a shipping API into your application, and some frequently asked questions about shipping API integration in this article.
Statistics for Shipping API
- The estimated value of the worldwide eCommerce market in 2020 was $3.9 trillion, and by 2023, it is expected to reach $6.5 trillion.
- The typical delivery time for online orders in 2020 was 4.5 days.
- Standard shipping (56%) and express shipping (29%) were the most common methods of delivery for eCommerce orders in 2020, followed by same-day delivery (15%).
Top 9 Best Shipping APIs
Here are the top 9 most popular shipping APIs for businesses:
FedEx Web Services
FedEx Web Services is a potent shipping API that enables you to use your own software systems to access FedEx’s shipping services.
This API offers real-time shipping costs, tracking information, and delivery alerts.
Additionally, it provides tools like label printing and address validation that can help your shipping processes to go more smoothly and precisely.
USPS Web Tools
USPS Web Tools is a shipping API that enables you to use your own software systems to access the United States Postal Service’s shipping services.
This API offers real-time shipping costs, tracking information, and delivery alerts.
It also has features like address validation that can help guarantee that your products are delivered to the proper address.
UPS Web Services
UPS Web Services is a shipping API that enables you to use your own software systems to access UPS’s shipping services.
This API offers real-time shipping costs, tracking information, and delivery alerts.
It also has capabilities like label printing that can increase the effectiveness of your shipping procedure.
DHL eCommerce
DHL eCommerce is a shipping API that enables you to use your own software systems to access DHL’s shipping services.
This API offers real-time shipping costs, tracking information, and delivery alerts.
Additionally, it provides tools like label printing and address validation that can assist your shipping processes to go more smoothly and precisely.
Amazon Shipping
Amazon Shipping is a shipping API that enables you to use your own software systems to access Amazon’s fulfillment services.
This API offers real-time shipping costs, tracking information, and delivery alerts.
Additionally, it provides tools like label printing and address validation that can assist your shipping process to go more smoothly.
Royal Mail
Businesses can incorporate shipping capabilities into their websites and systems using a variety of services provided by the Royal Mail Shipping API.
Creating and managing shipping labels, monitoring the progress of shipments, figuring out postage prices, and validating addresses are a few of the important functions.
Additionally, the API enables the generation of customs documentation for overseas shipments as well as the direct printing of shipping labels.
The API is also made to be scalable and can manage a large number of requests, making it appropriate for companies of all sizes.
First-class, second-class, international, and special delivery are just a few of the shipping options that the API provides.
Endicia
One of the key features provided by Endicia, a shipping and mailing service provider, through its Shipping API is the ability to create shipping labels, track shipments, and calculate shipping charges. The API also enables the creation of customs documentation for international shipments as well as the direct printing of shipping labels from the API. The API also enables businesses to automate their shipping processes by integrating with their existing systems, such as an e-commerce platform or a warehouse management system. Endicia not only offers a variety of shipping choices, including Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, and Parcel Select, but also permits businesses to purchase and print postage directly from the API.
Shipstaion
A few of the many features offered by Shipstation’s Shipping API include printing shipping labels, tracking items, and calculating shipping costs. The API enables businesses to link with their existing systems, such as e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, and warehouse management systems, to automate their shipping processes. Order import, shipping label creation, and package tracking may all be automated. Major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS are among the shipping options available from Shipstation. Businesses can also buy and print postage straight from the API. The API also enables companies to offer their clients real-time tracking information and personalized shipping alternatives.
It also includes features like order fulfillment, inventory control, and shipping regulations.
Shipworks
ShipWorks offers the ability to create and print shipping labels, track products, and determine shipping costs, these are just a few of the functions offered by its shipping management software through its shipping API.
By integrating with their current systems, including e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, and warehouse management systems, you can also automate your shipping procedures.
It can automatically input orders, process shipping labels, and track goods.
Numerous shipping companies are supported by ShipWorks, including well-known ones like FedEx, UPS, and USPS.
Businesses can also buy and print postage directly from the API thanks to this feature.
Additionally, the API enables companies to offer their clients real-time tracking data and personalized shipping alternatives.
These are some of the top shipping APIs on the market today, but before selecting one, it’s crucial to take into account your unique business requirements.
It’s also advised to investigate and contrast several shipping APIs before choosing to make sure you select the ideal one for your company. Blue Whale App’s API integration services include the initial analyses required to identify the right APIs, services, and platforms for your business before we go ahead and start the integration coding.
What Qualities Should a Shipping API Have?
It’s crucial to think about the features and capabilities of the API when selecting a shipping API for your company to make sure it suits your needs. There are several important things to take into account when selecting a shipping API for your online store:
Integration
The API should have a wide range of integrations accessible and should be simple to integrate into your current systems.
Shipping alternatives
A wide selection of shipping options, such as standard, expedited, and same-day delivery, should be provided by the API.
Real-time rates
To give your consumers an exact estimation of delivery prices, the API should offer real-time shipping rates.
Support
The API supplier needs to provide top-notch support and help with integration.
Compatibility
Before selecting an API and starting the integration process you must ensure compatibility with all of the services and platforms that you use and ones that you may use in the near future.
And most importantly:
Address Validation and Checking
An essential component of a shipping API is address validation and verification, which helps guarantee that your items are delivered to the correct addresses.
This function verifies the address against a list of legitimate addresses and can highlight any mistakes or discrepancies. There are obvious advantages in lowering the possibility of shipments being returned or delivered to the incorrect address.
Labeling
Another crucial component of a shipping API is labeling, which enables you to automate the generation of shipping labels.
By doing away with the requirement for labor-intensive and prone-to-error manual label creation, this feature can save time and increase productivity.
Shipment Monitoring
A shipping API must provide shipment tracking by enabling you to monitor the progress of your items in real-time.
With the aid of this tool, you can keep track of the progress of your shipments and give your clients precise tracking data.
Some shipping APIs additionally offer the option to automatically notify users when an item is delivered or if there is a delay.
Multiple Options
Having a variety of carriers to pick from might be very beneficial in reducing shipping costs.
You may connect with several carriers using some shipping APIs, which can help you get the best prices and services for your company.
Additionally, establishing connections with several carriers might provide your clients with more delivery options, which can enhance the customer experience.
In order to choose a shipping API that will fit your needs, it is crucial to take into account all of its features and capabilities.
Additionally, it’s critical to investigate and contrast several shipping APIs before choosing to make sure you select the ideal one for your company. You may want to commission a provider of API integration services live Blue Whale Apps to do this for you in addition to the final integration development work.
How Can Shipping API Be Integrated Into Your Product?
Depending on the particular API and the platform of your store, the integration method for a shipping API will differ.
Although the general steps are as follows:
- Identify a shipping API that suits your needs.
- Create a profile with the API provider.
- Obtain an access token or API key.
- Utilize the instructions and help provided to integrate the API into your store’s platform.
- Make sure the integration is operating properly, by running a series of tests
What is 3PL?
The ability to communicate with the leading carriers in the sector is one of the key advantages of using a shipping API.
You can provide your consumers with more delivery alternatives and make sure you’re getting the best prices by establishing connections with several carriers.
Use a regional carrier instead of a national one, for instance, if you are sending a delivery to a remote location.
Or, if you need to ship something quickly, you might want to choose an expedited shipping provider.
You can provide your consumers with more delivery alternatives and make sure you’re getting the best prices by establishing connections with several carriers by utilizing a 3PL.
Providers of third-party logistics (3PL) can take care of a range of shipping-related duties for you, including warehousing, packing, and delivery.
You can quickly connect with 3PL providers to simplify and increase the efficiency of your shipping process by using a shipping API.
A 3PL provider can do these activities for you, for instance, if your small business lacks the means to manage warehousing and packing.
Utilizing a 3PL supplier also allows you to benefit from their established connections with carriers, which may translate into better prices and services.
Collaborate with freight forwarders
Companies that specialize in planning and controlling the logistics of cross-border shipments are known as freight forwarders.
You can quickly connect with freight forwarders to provide your customers with options for international shipment by using a shipping API. For companies who are just starting to grow into overseas markets, this might be extremely advantageous.
The logistics of international shipping, such as customs clearance and compliance with regulations, can be challenging for enterprises to handle on their own. Freight forwarders can handle these operations on your behalf to reduce the workload associated with complex international shipments.
Work with trucking, rail, and the air
You can connect with many modes of transportation via shipping APIs, including trucking, rail freight, and air freight. This enables you to provide your clients with a greater selection of shipping alternatives and guarantees that your products are delivered most affordably and effectively as possible.
The most economical choice, for instance, may be trucking if you need to convey a big, heavy item. Or, if you need the cargo delivered quickly and it isn’t too hefty, air freight can be the best choice.
You can give your clients more delivery alternatives and make sure that your items are delivered most economically and effectively by connecting with various forms of transportation.
Shipping API Aggregators
Shipping API aggregators integrate many shipping APIs into a single, user-friendly interface.
This enables you to compare prices and services offered by many carriers and select the one that is best for your company.
You can save time and money by employing an API aggregator instead of integrating various APIs one at a time. API aggregators also frequently provide extra services like real-time tracking and delivery notifications, which can enhance the client experience.
Freight marketplaces
Online networks called freight marketplaces to offer a service that links shippers and carriers.
You may connect with freight marketplaces and access a variety of carrier options by using a shipping API. This can assist you in locating the most competitive prices and services for your company, particularly for heavy and large shipments.
You can identify carriers using freight marketplaces who specialize in particular kinds of cargo or who hold particular licenses, such as those for transporting hazardous items.
Furthermore, freight markets frequently provide solutions for managing and tracking your shipments, which can enhance the effectiveness and transparency of your shipping procedure.
In conclusion, a freight marketplace can be a helpful tool to locate the best rates and services for your business, especially for large and heavy shipments, while using a shipping API aggregator can make the process of comparing rates and services from various carriers simpler.
To provide more options for delivery and make sure that the shipping process is efficient and affordable, organizations can link with major carriers, 3PLs, freight forwarders, other modes of transportation, API aggregators, and freight marketplaces by using a shipping API.
It’s crucial to weigh your options and select the one that best meets your company’s requirements.
FAQs for shipping API
> Is it possible for my store to use various shipping APIs?
Yes, this enables you to give your consumers more delivery choices.
> Will my shipping prices change if I integrate a shipping API?
It depends on the particular API and the number of your shipments.
Some APIs have a monthly or per-transaction price, while others might have lower fees for clients who use them more frequently.
> How can I use a shipping API to track a package?
Depending on the particular API, several steps may be required to track a package.
The majority of APIs, however, will give you a tracking number and a URL to the carrier’s website where your customer will be able to follow the delivery of the goods.
> What is the best way to include the shipping API on my website or platform?
Depending on the particular API and the platform you’re utilizing, the integration process differs.
To make API queries, you will normally need to get API credentials, such as a key or token, and use them. Assisting with the integration process should be available documentation and resources from the API provider. Alternatively, engage a shipping API integration services provider such as Blue Whale Apps.
> Which carriers are accessible via the shipping API?
The specific API and the carrier agreements it has will determine the carriers that are accessible through the shipping API. Options for common carriers include USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and others.
> Can I use the API to check the status of my shipments?
Many shipping APIs include tracking functionality, allowing you to view the status of your shipments in real time. However, this feature may not be included in all shipping APIs.
> Can I create and print shipping labels through the API?
Some shipping APIs may allow you to create and print shipping labels directly through the API. Others may require you to use a separate application to generate labels.
> Are there any usage limits or restrictions for the shipping API?
Restrictions and usage limits vary depending on the specific API and the pricing plan you choose. Some may have limits on the number of requests or shipments that can be made per day or month, while others may have no usage limits.
> How can I deal with mistakes or problems that occur when using the shipping API?
In most cases, the API provider will have tools and documentation accessible to aid in troubleshooting any mistakes or problems that may occur. You might also be able to get assistance from their support staff.
> Can I use the API to build up automated shipping rate calculations?
You might be able to use some shipping APIs to figure out shipping costs on the fly using information like package size, weight, and destination.
> The shipping API complies with data privacy laws and security standards.
The particular provider will determine the security and compliance of the shipping API.
Always read the API’s security and privacy statement, and look for any certifications like PCI DSS.
> How can I use the API to change or stop a shipment?
The particular API will determine how to update or cancel a shipment through the API.
For further details on how to carry out these tasks, consult the API’s documentation or engage an API integration services provider.
> Is there a price or any costs for using the shipping API?
Many shipping APIs demand a monthly fee, a price per shipment, or a fee per request, and others are provided free as part of the provider’s services. Before utilizing the API, be sure to review the pricing strategy. Consult your API integration services provider for more information about the services you would like to use.
How we help
Blue Whale Apps offers comprehensive API integration services for all kinds of businesses. That includes API integration for eCommerce shipping and a range of other business types that can utilize shipping API integration services.
We will be happy to answer all of your questions and help you integrate the best shipping API; Just contact us by clicking the button below.
